Out of pocket costs related to CCSVI at Stanford

Sarahbellum · Post by **Sarahbellum** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 11:36 am

Those of us who are considering the procedure would appreciate knowing what kind of costs we are looking at for the initial days at Stanford for diagnosis, treatment, and through the 2-day follow-up visit.

Here is a link to a survey I have created. Please let me know if I need to add any questions or make any changes. I will post the results periodically on this site and will download the results to anyone who wishes to have them. My email address is sarabellum2009@gmail.com.

<a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=F ... _3d">Click Here to take survey</a>

radeck · Post by **radeck** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 11:51 am

Hi Sarah,

your link doesn't seem to work for me, even the web address if I copy and paste it. However I have been informed that for past CCSVI patients the testing has cost $14,000 on average, with a spread in that number depending on exactly what scans should be taken according to Dr. Dake's assessment.

My insurance (Healthnet PPO, a standard insurance for those working for UC Berkeley, which has proven to be very bad insurance to myself and some of my colleagues) didn't pre-authorize the scans, which means that a) they only pay 50% (given that the MRAs are "covered services", and b) the 50% I have to pay do NOT go toward my out-of-pocket maximum. In other words I'd have to pay around $7k myself, if Stanford financial assistance wouldn't help me out and carry all radiology's charges beyond the 50% the insurance pays.

Hope this helps

Sarahbellum · Post by **Sarahbellum** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 11:54 am

yes, am having trouble with the surveymonkey link. Will repost link in a few, I hope.

Jamie · Post by **Jamie** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 11:58 am

two points:

1) Awesome user name.

2) The overall cost was $90k+ for Mel, we paid the $5k out of pocket maximum on her plan plus other costs and prescriptions so nearer $6k out of pocket not counting flights, hotels etc etc.

Her PPO (United Healthcare) treated it as in network.

Sarahbellum · Post by **Sarahbellum** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:09 pm

Let's see if either of these works:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=F ... HKwA_3d_3d

<a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=F ... _3d">Click Here to take survey</a>

Alternatively, if you email me at sarabellum2009@gmail.com I can send you the link that I know does work.

bestadmom · Post by **bestadmom** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:13 pm

Your active link works. I can't answer the q's since I had no surgery, but was curious to see the survey. Very cool.

mrhodes40 · Post by **mrhodes40** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:23 pm

GREAT job!!!! I did it for you no problem.
thanks!!

Sarahbellum · Post by **Sarahbellum** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:40 pm

Marie, I must have been editing a question when you were submitting so your response did not go through.

Would you be so kind as to re=submit?
Thanks

Glad you liked the survey!

Sarahbellum · Post by **Sarahbellum** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:47 pm

Here is the link to view the responses:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/sr.aspx?sm= ... 4BCcOhk_3d

I've used surveymonkey for years but never tried this feature. Hope it is helpful! You can look at the summary and the individual responses and you can be in touch with the TIMSer with specific questions.

Let me know if the download feature works for you,too.

mrhodes40 · Post by **mrhodes40** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 2:22 pm

Sarah, Dr Dake's name is Dake.

You redid the survey ... I did the new one.

CNClear · Post by **CNClear** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 4:35 pm

Thanks, Sara...Really good job and thanks for taking the time and effort to post the results....

Lisa